Vision Management International, LLC
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Vision Management International, LLC
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Ashton
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Soon to be available for downloads on emusic and Napster!
Click Here to listen to Ashton's Talents!
Ashton Riker was born February 16, 1991 in Memphis, Tennessee. At an early age, entertainment became everything he lived for. Starting at around the age of 3, Ashton began singing. Four years later, at the age of 7, his voice and acting abilities landed him a role in “Children of Eden,” at Playhouse on the Square, a professional theatre company. Having been exposed to music at such an early age, Ashton took quite well to the stage. During his six years as a cast member of “Peter Pan,” also at Playhouse on the Square, he learned the art of performing for an audience. Ashton has many times been told that he has amazing showmanship.
As professional theatre began slowing down for Ashton, due to his adolescence, he began focusing on singing as his main talent. In 2004, Ashton was granted a full scholarship, which was valued at over $16,000, to attend Memphis University School, a very prestigious private school in the Mid-South. Ashton began singing with MUS’s world -renowned men’s acappella choir, Beg To Differ. The group’s focus on tight harmonies, excellence, and difficult song arrangements, helped to develop Ashton’s musical ear, and also began to give him a basic understanding of music theory.
Although Ashton enjoyed singing with the group, the barbershop style was leaving him with a desire for other things musically. Having been brought up around Memphis soul and jazz music, Ashton’s musical inspirations included Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Al Jarreau, and other Jazz, Soul, and R&B icons. Naturally, when Beg to Differ called Ashton to do a performance at the Stax Music Academy, he jumped on the chance. From the moment Ashton entered the doors, he felt at home amongst the legacy that previous Memphis musicians had left behind. Immediately following his performance, he approached the music director of the Academy. He auditioned in the hallway of the academy, on the spot and unexpectedly. Before he knew it, the director was asking him to show up to rehearsal the next day.
Ashton’s stay at Stax Music Academy has brought him into contact with some of the biggest names in the music industry. He was blessed to sing with Phillipe Saisse, as a part of the Soul School Spring Break program. Ashton was approached by the Academy the same year to be a part of their first annual Summer Soul Tour. The tour took Ashton through virtually every area of Italy. The tour was highlighted by a performance at the opening of the Poretta Soul Festival, in Poretta Terme, Italy.
The following year Ashton was asked to sing backup for Stevie Wonder and Yolanda Adams at the 2006 Freedom Awards. Shortly after this amazing opportunity, Ashton was fortunate enough to sing with Kirk Whalum, a world-renowned saxophonist. Ashton was asked again to be a part of Stax Music Academy’s Summer Soul Tour. This tour took Ashton through Cleveland, with a performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Also, he made stops in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., which featured a performance at the Kennedy Center on July 4th.
Ashton is also a songwriter. He writes and records his own material. Also, he has taught himself to play some piano, in order to be able to accompany himself. His recording experience started at a young age, when he was given the opportunity to record the theme song to a local children’s show. Also, Ashton has recorded several radio commercials. Ashton is a hard worker, and is willing to do everything necessary to augment his musical abilities. At the age of 17, Ashton has been told that his voice is very mature and soulful, and far beyond his age. Ashton enjoys singing Jazz, R&B, and Soul music. He is grateful for every opportunity that has been given to him.
On April 29th, 2009, Ashton performed for the Quincy Jones Music Conference at the Providence Lounge in New York City. He sang "Man In The Mirror" and "Wee B. Dooinit." After the performance, Quincy and Ashton talked, hugged and exchanged business cards. Mr. Jones told Ashton how much he enjoyed the show, and ask him to give him a call, when he debut album is finished.
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